Sno-King Chorale in Edmonds names new director

Photo by: Sno-King Community ChoraleDustin Willetts is the new leader of Sno-King Community Chorale.

With the retirement of Frank DeMiero in April, Associate Director Dustin Willetts was the unanimous choice to lead Edmonds-based Sno-King Community Chorale, according to Chorale president Steve Cobb.

The 34-year-old Willetts, a resident of Camano Island, is a singer and saxophonist who has performed with various ensembles throughout the Pacific Northwest, as well as at Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center in New York.

He has conducted the 120-voice Kulshan Chorus in Bellingham for five years, recently taking the chorus on a tour of Croatia and Slovenia. The chorus’ most-recent concert, “Breaking Silence,” was a narrative through song, dance and the spoken word dedicated to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

An alumnus of Western Oregon University, Willetts has a master’s of music with a focus in conducting and saxophone performance. He currently serves on the board of Seattle Children’s Chorus.

Willetts has conducted in 14 countries and performed in 36 countries.

“Dustin’s compassionate nature as an artistic director continues to draw audiences to his performances, and this was another compelling reason Sno-King Community Chorale felt he was the perfect choice as we move forward,” Cobb said.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead such an incredible group of singers,” Willets said. “The spirit, discipline and love for great music pours from their souls. I am truly excited to see where we can go together in the upcoming years.”

Willets’ first full-length show with the Sno-King Community Chorale will be the musical comedy “Bye Bye Birdie,” with two performances Saturday, June 9, at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.